Ex-ASPCA head now helms pet industry trade group
In 2007 ASPCA president Ed Sayres stood at the podium at the posh Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center and presented the group's lifetime achievement award to Bill Smith, founder of Main Line Animal Rescue in Chester County, for his work rehabilitating dogs who suffered years of abuse in Pennsylvania puppy mills This week Sayres was tapped to lead the Washington, D.C.-based group that represents commercial dog breeders.
I know now that I was misinformed about the majority of breeders who work diligently to raise puppies humanely and to find lifetime homes through retail channels. While many in the animal welfare field still want to paint all breeders with the same low standards brush, I look forward to opening their eyes to the true nature of the breeding business.